a painstaking study

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a painstaking study" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a study that requires a lot of careful effort and attention to detail. Example: "The researchers conducted a painstaking study to ensure that all variables were accounted for in their experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In a painstaking study of the bracteate, a type of ancient pendant found in northern Europe, he charted a variety of morphological categories, such as insignia and size.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Differences such as the superiority of the white race can be explained by a painstaking study of the size and proportion of skulls, and his craniology laboratory houses a huge collection, presided over by his assistant, Quartley.

The Guardian - Books

But in a painstaking study of 788 power plants that supply the bulk of U.S. electricity, Charles Studness Charles Studness, president of Studness Research, found quite the opposite could happen.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This study is a painstaking work of undeniable importance that will culminate in the determination of evidence-based guidelines for drug therapy dosage during ECMO.

Critical Care

A painstaking survey made it clear that there was little choice for a location.

Wikipedia

254) did not completely rule out the literal sense of scripture Origen's Hexapla, a six-column edition of various biblical versions, was a monument to his painstaking study of the text but claimed that the most meaningful aspects of divine revelation could be extracted only by allegorization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This finding emerged from painstaking study of a 30-year-old woman with profuse perspiration, extremely high energy intake and myopathy [ 2].

Diabetologia

If you take away one highlight from Wheeler's year, it's got to be her painstaking study of an assortment of documents that allowed her to lay out the timeline of our torture regime.

Huffington Post

The problem is not a lack of construction standards, just an indifference to them, concluded a committee of eminent engineers and scientists, who spent two and a half years working on the painstaking study for the Ministry of Urban Affairs and Employment.

The New York Times

A Martian confronting the Roman alphabet, for instance, would need years of painstaking study just to be certain that dissimilar-looking characters like "A" and "a" are mere variations of the same letter, while similar-looking ones like "O" and "Q" are different letters altogether.

The New York Times - Science

In 1953 our reviewer, Frances Keene, called this a "painstaking, compassionate study" and praised Moravia's ear for "the rhythm of seemingly pointless banter".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, pair "a painstaking study" with verbs that convey the action of investigation, such as 'conducted', 'undertook', or 'performed'. For example, 'The researchers conducted a painstaking study...'

Common error

Avoid using "a painstaking study" as a general descriptor without providing tangible evidence of the thoroughness and effort involved. Ensure the context supports the claim by highlighting specific methods or challenges overcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a painstaking study" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "painstaking" modifies the noun "study", indicating the high level of care and effort invested in the study. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to characterize research in various fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a painstaking study" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe research characterized by exceptional care and thoroughness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's appropriate for both formal and neutral contexts, especially in academic, scientific, and news media. While "common" in frequency, it's important to substantiate the claim of being "painstaking" with specific details about the study's methods and effort. Alternatives like "a meticulous investigation" or "an exhaustive analysis" can be used depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meticulous investigation

Emphasizes the careful and precise nature of the investigation, highlighting attention to detail.

a thorough examination

Focuses on the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of the examination.

an exhaustive analysis

Highlights the completeness and depth of the analysis.

a detailed exploration

Stresses the intricate and comprehensive nature of the exploration.

a rigorous assessment

Implies a strict and methodical approach to the assessment.

a scrupulous review

Emphasizes the ethical and thorough nature of the review, focusing on accuracy and integrity.

a comprehensive survey

Highlights the broad scope and completeness of the survey.

an in-depth inquiry

Focuses on the depth and thoroughness of the inquiry.

a diligent analysis

Highlights the careful and persistent nature of the analysis.

a careful investigation

Focuses on the attentiveness and precision applied during the investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "a painstaking study" in a sentence?

You can use "a painstaking study" to describe research, analysis, or investigation that involves exceptional care, effort, and attention to detail. For example: "The archaeologist conducted "a painstaking study" of the ancient artifacts."

What are some alternatives to "a painstaking study"?

Alternatives include "a meticulous investigation", "a thorough examination", or "an exhaustive analysis". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of the study you wish to emphasize.

What distinguishes "a painstaking study" from a regular study?

"A painstaking study" implies a higher level of detail, effort, and dedication compared to a regular study. It suggests that the researchers or investigators have gone above and beyond to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Is it appropriate to use "a painstaking study" in formal writing?

Yes, "a painstaking study" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, or professional contexts where thoroughness and attention to detail are valued. The phrase conveys a sense of rigor and commitment to accuracy.